Selections From OMB Decision: Page 35 and 36

I find that the language of the Goldberg Version of OPA 10 provides little direction as to Council’s intent vis-à-vis the planned function of the Downtown Core than does the City-adopted version of OPA 10. Adherence to policies that protect the planned function of the Downtown Core is essential to the long-term prosperity of the City and therefore worthy of whatever protection or assistance can reasonably be afforded (as required by PPS policies 1.7.1.b and 1.7.1.f). In my view, and in the view of the vast majority of the participants and lay witnesses who testified before this Board,

anything that risks the health of the Shakespeare Festival – including threats to the City’s image as “the Festival City” – must therefore be avoided. After consideration of the information made available to it and clearly mindful of the local insights of its constituent members, Council has determined that a large format department store use on the Avonwood lands poses considerable risk to the planned function of the Downtown Core and thus considerable risk to the Festival itself and has endorsed policies that protect the planned function of the Downtown Core. I find on the evidence that this City policy represents good planning.

Colin Hefferon